What You Need
- A smartphone (iPhone or Android) — rear camera preferred
- A plain white or light-colored wall
- Natural daylight (a window works great)
- A friend to take the photo, or a tripod with timer
- WithSwag's free passport photo tool to crop and format
Step 1: Set Up Your Background
Find a plain white wall in your home. The wall should be clean, with no pictures, nails, or visible textures. If you don't have a white wall, tape a large white sheet, poster board, or bedsheet to the wall.
Pro tip: Don't worry if your wall isn't perfectly white. WithSwag's AI background removal can replace any background with the exact color your country requires.
Step 2: Get the Lighting Right
Lighting is the #1 factor in getting a good passport photo. Here's how to nail it:
- Use natural light. Stand facing a large window. The light should fall evenly on your face.
- Avoid direct sunlight. It creates harsh shadows. Diffused light from a cloudy day or a north-facing window is ideal.
- Don't use flash. Flash causes red eye, harsh shadows, and uneven lighting.
- Avoid overhead lighting only. It creates shadows under your eyes and nose.
- Check for shadows on the wall behind you. Stand at least 3–4 feet from the wall.
Step 3: Position Yourself
- Stand 3–4 feet in front of the wall
- Face the camera directly — not at an angle
- Keep your shoulders level and relaxed
- The camera should be at your eye level
- The photographer should stand about 4 feet away
Step 4: Get Your Expression Right
- Neutral expression — no smiling, no frowning
- Both eyes open and looking directly at the camera
- Mouth closed
- Remove glasses (required for US, UK, and many other countries)
- Remove hats and head coverings (unless religious)
- Hair should not cover your face or eyes
Step 5: Take Multiple Shots
Take at least 5–10 photos. Check each one for:
- Even lighting with no shadows on face or background
- Sharp focus on the face
- Eyes open, neutral expression
- Head centered in the frame
Step 6: Format Your Photo Online
- Go to withswag.org/portrait
- Upload your best photo
- Select your country's passport size (US 2×2", UK 35×45mm, etc.)
- Use the smart crop tool to frame your face correctly
- Use AI background removal if your wall wasn't perfectly white
- Adjust brightness and contrast if needed
- Download in high resolution (300 DPI)
How Much Does This Save?
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| CVS / Walgreens | $16.99 |
| Walmart | $7.44 |
| USPS Post Office | $15.00 |
| WithSwag (at home) | €3.00 (~$3.25) |
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